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5 from 3 votes

Baked Brie and Bread Wreath

This Baked Brie and Bread Wreath is a show-stopping appetizer/centerpiece that definitely should be present at all of your gatherings this holiday season!
Servings 46 servings
Prep Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg whisked with splash of water
  • 1 8-ounce wheel of brie
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves finely chopped
  • 1 sprig of thyme finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs of fresh oregano finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • pinch fo salt and pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, heat up the milk over medium-low heat until just scalded, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the stove and add the butter and all but 1 teaspoon of the sugar, stirring until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
  • Meanwhile combine the warm water, reserved teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Allow to sit until the mixture has foamed, about 10 minutes. If the mixture doesn't foam up, toss and start again.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, 3 eggs, salt and half of the flour. Combine on low until it is smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the mixture comes together and forms somewhat of a smooth ball that comes off the sides of the bowl. Knead on high for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a well-oiled bowl and let the dough rest in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Once doubled, punch the dough down to release the air and transfer to a work surface. Cut into 46 or so even pieces (about the size of a golfball) and keep covered with a damp kitchen towel. Working with one piece at time, roll into a tight smooth ball by rolling the dough with the palms of your hands on the work surface.
  • Place the wheel of brie in the center of a large round flat baking pan I use a pizza pan.
  • In a small bowl combing the parsley, thyme, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Then start lining up the roll dough balls around the brie in a single layer (in 2 rows), as snug as possibile. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel and let rest in warm spot for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. Brush the bread with egg wash and then sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse salt. Spoon half of the parsley oil mixture on top of the brie. The remaining rolls that didn't fit on the wreath pan, can be placed in a round cake pan and baked separately.
  • Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven until golden brown and puffed up, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs. Pour the remaining herbed oil mixture over the brie. Serve warm and enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite